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On Sunday, India will meet Pakistan in the final of the Champions Trophy, an international cricket tournament played once every four years.

Tournament favorites India cruised to the final Thursday, beating Bangladesh by 9 wickets in Birmingham, England, while Pakistan secured their spot a day earlier, winning by 8 wickets over hosts England.

Unbroken record

The rivalry between the two neighboring countries dates to 1952, just five years after independence, when India and Pakistan played their first test series.

Since then, India and Pakistan have played 15 Test series and 17 One Day International (ODI) series.

But increased political tensions, including recent skirmishes along the border and a pending case at the International Court of Justice, have limited their meetings in recent years.

Pakistan fans cheer and wave national flags during the ICC Champions trophy match on June 4.

Prior to this summer's Champion's Trophy, Indian Sports Minister Vijay Goel told reporters that India would not play Pakistan in any future non-tournament fixtures, while cross-border "terror from Pakistan" remains.

A consistent India vs a resurgent Pakistan

Though they're the favorites to win, Indian captain Virat Kohli has been quick to not underestimate a resurgent Pakistani side.

"Credit to them, they've turned around things for themselves really well. They've beaten sides that looked really strong against them, but the belief just showed on the field [with] the way they played together as a team," he told reporters after Thursday's game.

Supporters of India salute a boundary during the ICC Champions Trophy match on June 4.

Since Pakistan's crushing defeat against India on June 4, they have recovered well beating South Africa, Sri Lanka and England to reach the final.

"No one is a winner beforehand, and you can't predict anything in this game. Regardless of who you play in the finals, it's always going to be challenging because once you start thinking that it's a big game, then your mindset changes," added Kohli.